Few cities in the world carry the musical electricity of New York. Its streets have long served as a crossroads where cultures, rhythms, and artistic traditions collide, making it an ideal birthplace for boundary-pushing collaborations. Today we explore one artist who calls Manhattan home, though his bandmates are drawn from across the city.

New York–based drummer, composer, and multimedia artist Agustín Nevaris presents SoundSession, a four-track EP built around the spirit of live improvisation and collaborative exploration. The session was recorded at Orange Sound in New Jersey and released by Nolej Records, bringing together a large ensemble of players working within a dub-influenced framework. 

The music was co-written with producer and bassist Bill Laswell, whose stylistic vision shapes the project even though he could not attend the recording due to health concerns. Alongside Nevaris are notable contributors such as DJ Logic, Peter Apfelbaum, Will Bernard, Jonathan Maron, Jojo Kuo, Angel Rodriguez, Lockatron, and Matt Dickey, forming a lineup capable of shifting seamlessly between jazz spontaneity, psychedelic ambience, and dub-driven groove.

The EP begins with “Ninth Sun,” a track that quickly establishes the record’s immersive atmosphere. Turntable textures glide over echoing guitar figures while rhythmic elements slowly assemble beneath the surface. Truly positive vibes here. When the saxophone finally appears, it introduces a melodic warmth that expands the piece into something cosmic and reflective, giving the opening track an illusory quality that gradually draws the listener deeper into the session.

On “Remedy,” the ensemble leans into a more relaxed yet still exploratory groove. Blues-tinged guitar phrases stretch across a steady rhythmic pulse while percussion and subtle electronic elements add depth to the soundscape. Apfelbaum’s saxophone threads through the arrangement with expressive phrasing that suggests late-night city scenes and cinematic imagery. As the track unfolds, dub-inspired bass and delay effects broaden the sonic field, allowing the musicians to trade ideas and build momentum without ever disrupting the track’s laid-back flow.

“Document” emphasizes rhythmic cohesion and group interaction. Lockatron’s drumming provides a dependable backbone while the surrounding players explore texture and tone. Guitars ring out with elongated chords, DJ scratches add motion, and saxophone lines glide through the arrangement. Despite the many layers involved, the mix remains clear and balanced, allowing each musician’s contribution to stand out while still functioning as part of the collective groove.

The final piece, “Dub Orchestra,” stretches close to eighteen minutes and acts as the EP’s most expansive moment. Built on reverberating percussion and spacious dub production, the track unfolds slowly as instruments enter and fade like passing signals. DJ Logic’s scratches, Apfelbaum’s flute, and the ensemble’s layered rhythms create a hypnotic environment where improvisation guides the direction. 

By the time the piece winds down, SoundSession reveals itself as more than a simple recording—it’s a document of musicians sharing space, exploring sound together, and letting atmosphere lead the way.

For more information on Nevaris, visit their official Bandcamp, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Written by Nika Kretov